ISLAND HOLIDAY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20886, 18 August 1939, Page 9

ISLAND HOLIDAY

VOYAGERS RETURN HAMILTONIANS ON BOARD The main charm about a holiday lies in its power to whisk people away from the cares and worries of everyday life to new scenes and different peoples. Therein, apparently, lies the secret of the success of the winter cruises from New Zealand to the South Sea Islands over the past five or six years. Including several Hamilton residents, the 250 people who returned by the Maunganui on Wednesday from a cruise to Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, bore ample evidence of their visit to other lands. Sun-burnt faces gave testimony to the glorious weather experienced throughout the cruise, whilst nearly all carried down the gangway tangible evidence in the form of Island baskets, trays, model canoes and Lrilliant lined coral. There were tourists on board from all over New Zealand, quite a number being residents of Auckland and district. Capital of Tonga Leaving Auckland on July 28 and Wellington on July 31, the Maunganui proceeded to Nukualofa, the capital of Tonga, where glorious sunshine heralded its arrival. A day was spent in visiting places of interest on the island, the chief of which being the “Wood of the Bats,” the langis or tombs of Tonga's sacred kings, and the trilithon known as Tonga's “Stonehenge,” the origin of which is shrouded in mystery. In a beautiful enclosure close to Queen Salote's palace the newcomers rested in the shade of giant trees to witness for the first time native dancing, and late in the afternoon they were farewelied for Yavau. Vavau, which was reached next morning, is also part of the Tongari Group, anu after steaming up its beautiful landlocked harbour, the vessel anchored and passengers were sent ashore in launches to picnic and swim at one of the many delightful island villages. Afterwards they were taken across the harbour to what was to many one of the highlights of the cruise, namely, the Swallows’ Cave. This huge water cavern, some 60 or 70 feet high with walls of every conceivable colour, was seen at its best with the afternoon sun glinting through its mouth. Choir of 100 Voices Apia was reached the next afternoon, Sunday, August 6. In the evening at the Tivoli Theatre a choir of over 100 voices combined in a church service arranged by the Protestant churches in Apia and district. The two days following were taken up in pilgrimages to R. L. Stevenson's tomb on Ml. Vaea, and trips through cocoa and coffee plantations, whilst in the evening there were dances and native entertainments. After a day at sea the Maunganui called off the island of Niuafoou (Tin Gan Island), where she landed some 10,000 letters to secure the now famous postmark/ The next morning Levuka, in the Fiji Group, was reached. H.M.S. Wellington was also in port. A very full morning was spent by the tourists amongst the happy, good-natured Fijians, who provided some most spectacular mekes. Suva, the final port of call, was reached early the same evening. A dance and island nights entertainment at the Grand Pacific Hotel was held that evening, while the next morning was spent in motor trips, followed by a fire-walking ceremony performed by natives from the island of Benga, who alone hold the secret of this weird spectacle. The Maunganui left for Auckland last Saturday evening. The whole of the cruise was one of brilliant sunshine, not a shower having been experienced. During the days in between ports there were sports tournaments, a gymkhana, talking pictures and fancy dress balls. The ship’s staff were indefatigable in their efforts to amuse and entertain the passengers. Prizes Won A special prize for the best character at the movie ball competition was won by Miss B. L. Geach, of Hamilton. Miss 11. F. Louden, of Hamilton, and Miss B. J. Robinson, of Hamilton, won a special prize at the fancy dress ball.